Electronic module having an integrated latching mechanism

ABSTRACT

An integrated latching mechanism for use with a user pluggable electronic module, such as an opto-electronic transceiver module, is disclosed. The latching mechanism allows the user to selectively latch the module within a corresponding host port by manipulation of a lever formed on a bail. Movement of the bail causes a locking pin to extend and latch the module within the port. Conversely, movement of the bail can be used to disengage the locking pin and thereby allow the user to extract the module from within the port. Operatively movement of the lock pin is accomplished by forming a cam on the bail lever. Movement of the bail lever thus causes movement of the cam which corresponds to movement of a locking pin from a latched to a delatched position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to the field of electrical connectorsystems for electrical components. In particular, embodiments of thepresent invention relate to a latching system that is particularlyuseful for use with low profile, user-removable, electronic modules thatinterface with a port of a host device. For example, embodiments of thepresent invention may find particular use with opto-electronictransceiver modules used to interface a host device with an opticalcommunications network.

2. The Relevant Technology

Fiber optics are increasingly used for transmitting voice and datasignals. As a transmission medium, light provides a number of advantagesover traditional electrical communication techniques. For example, lightsignals allow for extremely high transmission rates and very highbandwidth capabilities. Also, light signals are resistant toelectro-magnetic interferences that would otherwise interfere withelectrical signals. Light also provides a more secure signal because itdoesn't allow portions of the signal to escape from the fiber opticcable as can occur with electrical signals in wire-based systems. Lightalso can be conducted over greater distances without the signal losstypically associated with electrical signals on copper wire.

While optical communications provide a number of advantages, the use oflight as a transmission medium presents a number of implementationchallenges. In particular, the data carried by light signal must beconverted to an electrical format when received by a device, such as anetwork switch. Conversely, when data is transmitted to the opticalnetwork, it must be converted from an electronic signal to a lightsignal. A number of protocols define the conversion of electricalsignals to optical signals and transmission of those optical, includingthe ANSI Fibre Channel (FC) protocol. The FC protocol is typicallyimplemented using a transceiver module at both ends of a fiber opticcable. Each transceiver module typically contains a laser transmittercircuit capable of converting electrical signals to optical signals, andan optical receiver capable of converting received optical signals backinto electrical signals.

Typically, a transceiver module is electrically interfaced with a hostdevice—such as a host computer, switching hub, network router, switchbox, computer I/O and the like—via a compatible connection port.Moreover, in some applications it is desirable to miniaturize thephysical size of the transceiver module to increase the port density,i.e., and therefore accommodate a higher number of network connectionswithin a given physical space. In addition, in many applications, it isdesirable for the module to be hot-pluggable, which permits the moduleto be inserted and removed from the host system without removingelectrical power. To accomplish many of these objectives, internationaland industry standards have been adopted that define the physical sizeand shape of optical transceiver modules to insure compatibility betweendifferent manufacturers. For example, in 1998, a group of opticalmanufacturers developed a set of standards for optical transceivermodules called the Small Form-factor Pluggable (“SFP”) TransceiverMultiSource Agreement (“MSA”). In addition to the details of theelectrical interface, this standard defines the physical size and shapefor the SFP transceiver modules, and the corresponding host port, so asto insure interoperability between different manufacturers' products.The standard also specifies that the module be hot-pluggable. To do so,the standard specifies that a user provide a minimum amount of spacebetween host ports, so that transceiver modules can be individuallyaccessed and removed from the host device without disturbing theadjacent modules and/or cable connections.

While such standards may recommend that there be a minimum distancebetween adjacent ports, there is often a desire to provideconfigurations having a higher port density. However, providing a highport density can be at odds with the ability to provide a module thatcomplies with existing standards—i.e., that has a small form-factor andis hot-pluggable. In particular, previously existing module designspresent a size and profile that mandates that a specific minimum amountof space be provided between host ports so that individual modules canbe accessed and removed without disturbing an adjacent module and/or anadjacent fiber cable. Such modules either cannot be used in a devicehaving a high port density (due to the space requirements), or, if usedin such an environment, require the use of a special extraction tool toallow for access and retrieval of a module without disturbing adjacentmodules and/or cables. Use of an extraction tool is often not desirablebecause it raises costs, can be misplaced, and may not be compatiblewith other module designs.

Therefore, there is a need for a module, such as an optical transceivermodule, that utilizes a latching scheme that allows the module tomaintain its small form factor and that still complies with existingstandards. At the same time, the latching scheme should allow the moduleto be easily inserted and extracted from a port without the need for aspecial extraction tool. Moreover, extraction should be possible in amanner that does not disturb the communications link of adjacentmodules, i.e., extraction should be achieved without inadvertentlyremoving an adjacent module and/or fiber cable, even in a host havinghigh port density. Such a module would allow host systems to provide ahigher packing density, and yet allow the use of small form factortransceiver modules that comply with existing standards,

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

These and other problems in the prior art are addressed by embodimentsof the present invention, which relates to an electronic, pluggablemodule that is equipped with a unique latching mechanism. In anillustrated embodiment, the module is an opto-electronic transceivermodule, typically used to interface an optical transmission cable mediumto a host device, such as a network switch, hub, router, computer or thelike.

In one preferred embodiment, the module is formed as a small form-factorpluggable (“SFP”) device in accordance with existing industry standards.Moreover, the module is capable of being operatively received within acompatible port provided by the host device. It will be appreciated thatwhile preferred embodiments are illustrated and described as anopto-electronic transceiver module, the present invention is not limitedto that particular environment. Indeed, teachings of the presentinvention could also be utilized in any type of pluggable electronicmodule.

In an exemplary embodiment, the module includes a base portion thatsupports a printed circuit board (PCB) upon which is disposed theelectronics needed for the functionality of the module. In addition, thePCB has an edge connector formed at one end that is capable ofelectrically interfacing with the host device when the module isoperatively received within the device port. Also disposed on one end ofthe base portion is at least one receptacle capable of physicallyreceiving and interfacing with a corresponding optical fiber connector,which in turn is connected to a fiber optic cable. In a preferredembodiment, an outer housing encloses at least a portion of the base andthe PCB to protect the electronic and optical components from dust andthe like. Moreover, the housing defines an outer periphery that conformsin size and shape to the corresponding host port. In one preferredembodiment, the size and shape correspond to specifications defined bythe MSA standard. Of course, other shapes and sizes could be used.

In illustrated embodiments, the module includes an integrated latchingmechanism that provides several preferred functions. In particular, thelatch mechanism provides the ability to releasably secure thetransceiver module within the host port. Moreover, the latch mechanismcan be implemented within a transceiver module having a SFP package, andcan be done so with mechanical dimensions that do not violate industrystandards. The latch mechanism permits easy extraction and insertion ofthe module by a user, even when it is used in a host device having ahigh-density port configuration—both laterally and vertically. Further,extraction can be accomplished without the use of a specializedextraction tool, and without disturbing adjacent modules and/or cables.

In one preferred embodiment, the latch mechanism is operated by way of amoveable bail lever. The bail is moveable between two positions, whichin turn dictate the position of a locking pin. When placed in a latchedposition, the locking pin extends from the module and engages with acorresponding recess within the host port. In this position, the moduleis latched and secured within the port. When the bail is moved to anunlatched position, the locking pin is disengaged from the lockingrecess, which permits the module to be extracted from the port.

In the exemplary embodiment, movement of the locking pin by way of thebail is accomplished with a cam portion that is integrated with the baillever. Rotation of the bail causes manipulation of the cam, which inturn operates against a cam follower surface formed on a pivot blockwhich carries the locking pin. When in the latched position, the cam isdisengaged from the cam follower surface, and a biasing means formed onthe housing urges the pivot block to rotate the locking pin into thelatched position. In contrast, in the unlatched position, the cam forcesthe pivot block to rotate the locking pin so that it is disengaged fromthe locking recess.

In addition to manipulating the latching mechanism, the bail alsoprovides a lever for removing the module from the port. Thus, whenpositioned in the unlatched position, the bail extends outwardly to thefront of the module, so that a pulling force results in the removal ofthe module. Importantly, in preferred embodiments the bail provides ahandhold portion, so that this removal can be accomplished with a user'sfinger, and doesn't require the use of a specialized extraction tool.Moreover, since the bail is positioned in the front of the module, themodule can be removed without disturbing adjacent modules and withoutdisturbing adjacent cables—even when used in a host device having a highport density.

In a preferred embodiment, the shape of the bail and the rest of thelatching mechanism are integrated within the module so as to not violatethe requisite form factor. Moreover, the shape of the bail is such thatwhen the fiber cable connector is positioned within the receptacle, thebail cannot be moved to the unlatched position. This prevents accidentalremoval of the module from the port, such as may otherwise occur whenthe cable or plug are inadvertently pulled.

The foregoing, together with other features and advantages of thepresent invention, will become more apparent when referred to thefollowing specification, claims and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above recited and other advantagesand features of the invention are obtained, a more particulardescription of the invention briefly described above will be given bymaking reference to a specific embodiment that is illustrated in theappended drawings. These drawings depict only one embodiment of theinvention and are not to be considered limiting of its scope:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of one presentlypreferred embodiment of a transceiver module having an integrated latchsystem;

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the bottom side of the pivot blockportion of the latch system;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an assembled version of the transceivermodule and latch system shown in FIG. 1 and a corresponding exemplarymodular fiber cable connector and fiber cable assembly;

FIG. 3a is a cross sectional view of the transceiver module taken alonglines 4A—4A in FIG. 2 that shows a latch system in the latched position;

FIG. 3b is a cross sectional view of the transceiver module taken alonglines 4A—4A in FIG. 2 that shows a latch system in the unlatchedposition; and

FIG. 4 is a side view of two adjacent transceiver modules withcorresponding latch systems in different operational positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made to the drawings to describe presentlypreferred embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that thedrawings are diagrammatic and schematic representations of the presentlypreferred embodiments, and are not limiting of the present invention,nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.

In general, the present invention relates to an electronic module, suchas an optical transceiver module, that utilizes a unique integratedlatch system to releasably secure the transceiver module within a hostslot or port. Moreover, the latch system can be implemented within atransceiver module having a low profile, and without violating existingindustry standards, such as those specified in the SFP Transceiver MSA.The latch system permits easy extraction and insertion of the module bya user, even when it is used in a host system having a high-density portconfiguration, i.e., when the modules are disposed in ports immediatelyadjacent to one another in one or both lateral dimensions. Further,extraction can be accomplished without the use of a specializedextraction tool, and can be done without disturbing adjacent modules andcables.

Also, while embodiments of the present invention are described in thecontext of optical transceiver modules used in the field of opticalnetworking, it will be appreciated that the teachings of the presentinvention are applicable to other applications as well. For example,other types of pluggable electronic modules could utilize embodiments ofthe latch system to facilitate insertion and extraction from acorresponding host port.

Reference is first made to FIGS. 1 and 2 together, which illustrateperspective views of one presently preferred embodiment of an opticaltransceiver module, designated generally at 100. In the illustratedexample, the module 100 is comprised of an elongate base portion,designated generally at 102, that is configured to support and retain aprinted circuit board 104. In this example, the circuit boardaccommodates the transceiver electronics 103 and optics (not shown),although it could be comprised of any circuitry or components dependingon the type of module being used. Also formed on the printed circuitboard 104 at a rear end is an exposed edge connector 105. The edgeconnector 105 is configured to be electrically compatible with acorresponding electrical connector (not shown) that is positioned withinthe port of a host device. Other connector schemes that are well knownin the art could also be used.

In the illustrated embodiment, a connector portion, designated generallyat 106, is positioned at one end of the base portion 102. The connectorportion 106 defines a receptacle configuration 113 that operativelyreceives a corresponding modular fiber connector configuration, such asis typically used to interface with an optical fiber cable. One exampleof such a fiber connector and cable configuration is shown at 150 inFIG. 2. However, it will be appreciated that the receptacle could beimplemented to accommodate any one of a number of different connectorconfigurations, depending on the particular application involved.

As is further shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the module 100 further includes alatching mechanism, designated generally at 101. In one presentlypreferred embodiment, the latch mechanism 101 provides severalfunctions. First, the latch mechanism 101 provides a mechanism for“latching” the module 100 within a host port, represented at 200 inFIGS. 3A and 3B, when the module 100 is operatively received within theport. Moreover, as will also be described in further detail, the latchmechanism 101 also provides a convenient means for extracting the module100 from the port, without the need for a special extraction tool. Thelatching mechanism is preferably implemented so as to preserve the smallform factor of the module 100 in accordance with prevailing standards,and in a manner that allows convenient insertion and extraction of asingle module without disturbing adjacent modules or adjacent fibercables—even when used in a host having a high port density. Also, in apreferred embodiment, the latch mechanism precludes inadvertentextraction of the module 100 from the port when a modular fiberconnector 150 is operatively received within the receptacle 112.

By way of example and not limitation, in a preferred embodiment thelatch mechanism 101 includes user accessible means for selectivelylatching the module 100 within a host port, and for extracting themodule from the port. By way of example and not limitation, useraccessible means can be comprised of a bail, designated generally at108. Preferably, the bail 108 has a main body portion 130 formed from arigid metal wire. While the bail 108 could be configured in any one of anumber of shapes, in a preferred embodiment the bail 108 is sized andshaped so as to be accessible with a user's finger, or any other commonimplement, such as a pen or the like. Also, the bail 108 is shaped so asto as conform substantially with the shape of the module 100 when thebail is placed in a “latched” position, as is represented in FIG. 2. Inthis way, the bail does not violate the overall low profile presented bythe module 100. Also, in one embodiment, the bail 108 includes a grip orclasp 109 that is formed of a material that allows for easier access andgripping by a user's finger. The clasp 109 can be formed any number ofways, including a cylindrical piece that slides over the bail wire, oralternatively, it could be formed by using an overmold process.

In a preferred embodiment the bail 108 includes a cam that facilitatesthe latching and unlatching of the module within the port. FIG. 1illustrates how the cam 107 is provided with a bend formed along aportion of the main body of the bail 108 between two shoulder portions125 and 126. It will be appreciated that the cam could be implementedalong the length of the bail 108 using other techniques. Operation ofthe bail 108 and cam 107 will be discussed in further detail below.

Making continued reference to FIGS. 1, 1A and 2, formed along the topsurface of the connector portion 106 is a retention mechanism foroperatively receiving the bail 108. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1, the retention mechanism is comprised of dual retention slots 127and 128 that are each sized and shaped to receive the correspondingshoulder portions 125, 126 of the bail 108 when the latching system 101is assembled. In operation of the latching mechanism 101, the retentionslots 127, 128 permit rotation of the bail at the shoulder portions. Ofcourse, the retention mechanism could be implemented in a number ofdifferent ways. For example, a single retention slot may suffice, ordifferent geometries could be used.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bail 108 is operatively secured tothe module 100 by way of an overlying pivot block, designated generallyat 110. FIGS. 1 and 1A show how the pivot block 110 includes a pivotrecess 115 that accommodates the shoulder portions 125, 126 and the camportion 107 when the pivot block 110 is disposed on the top surface ofthe connector block 106 between the retention slots 127 and 128. As isshown in FIG. 1A, which illustrates the bottom of the pivot block 110,the pivot recess 115 preferably includes an enlarged portion 117 that iscapable of operatively accommodating the cam portion 107 when the cam107 is disposed in a horizontal orientation within the enlarged portion117. Again, the pivot recess 115 and the enlarged portion 117 secure thebail 108 to the module 100 in cooperation with the retention slots 127and 128, but do so in a manner so as to permit rotation of the bail 108during operation of the latching mechanism. Rotation of the bail 108causes the cam portion 107 to operatively engage a cam follower surface119 formed on the pivot block 110 within portion 117. This is discussedfurther below.

FIGS. 1 and 1A illustrate how the pivot block 110 also includes a pivotarm 112 disposed along a pivot axis of the block 110. When mounted onthe top surface of the connector portion 106 of base 102, each end ofthe pivot arm 112 is rotatably held within pivot points 122 and 123 thatare each formed on the top surface of the connector portion 106. In apreferred embodiment, the latching mechanism further includes means forlatching the module 100 within a port slot. This latching means isprovided by way of a lock pin 111 formed along the top surface of apivot end of the block 110. The pin 111 is preferably formed as a wedgehaving a leading edge 211 that is sloped or otherwise appropriatelyshaped, so as to facilitate insertion of the module 100 into the hostport.

FIGS. 1 and 2 also illustrate how the base portion 102 and the printedcircuit board are at least partially enclosed and retained within anouter housing, designated generally at 116. The outer housing 116 isgenerally rectangular in shape so as to accommodate the base portion102. The housing 116 includes an opening at its rear end so as to exposethe edge connector 105 and thereby permit it to be operatively receivedwithin a corresponding electrical connector slot (not shown) within ahost port 200. The housing 116 can be formed of any appropriate materialand in a preferred embodiment is comprised of sheet metal.

In a preferred embodiment, the housing 116 is also configured so as toprovide a portion of the module's latching mechanism 101. For example,the top surface of the housing includes a locking recess 132, which issized and shaped to expose the lock pin 111 of the pivot block 110 whenthe latch mechanism is in a latched position, as will be describedbelow. Also, the housing 116 includes a means for biasing the latchingmechanism to a latched position. By way of example, in one presentlypreferred embodiment the biasing means is comprised of a resilient metalportion of the housing that is formed as a leaf spring 118. Whenassembled (FIG. 2), the leaf spring 118 is biased against the topsurface of the pivot block 110 so as to operatively secure it in itsassembled position. Also, the biasing action is applied so as to urgethe pivot block 110 in a rotational direction about pivot point 112 soas to expose lock pin 11 though locking recess 132. This corresponds tothe module being in a latched position.

Reference is next made to FIGS. 3A and 3B, which together illustrate thevarious preferred operating characteristics of the module 100 and itslatching mechanism 101. As noted, the transceiver module 100 is capableof being operatively received within an appropriate port, such as isrepresented at 200 of FIGS. 4A and 4B, of a host system, a portion ofwhich is represented at 202. When operatively received within the port200, the edge connector 105 is received within a correspondingelectrical connector (not shown) disposed within the port 200, so as toprovide the requisite electrical interface between the transceivermodule 100 and the host 202. Also, at this point the modular cableconnector 150 (FIG. 2) of the optical cable 156 can be received withinthe receptacle 113 of the connector portion 106.

In general, the relative position of the bail 108 governs theoperational state of the latching mechanism 101. When placed in alatched position, the module 100 is securely retained within a host port200. In an unlatched position, the module 100 can be removed from thehost port 200. For example, in the latched position, the position of thebail 108 is rotated and placed in a downward direction, as is shown inFIG. 2 and FIG. 3A. In this position, the cam portion 107 of the bail108 is horizontally disposed within the enlarged portion 117 of the camfollower surface 119 of the pivot recess 115 and is thus not exertingany cam force against the pivot block 110. As such, the leaf spring 118is biased against the top surface of the pivot block 110 at a point thaturges the pivot block 110 in a rotational direction about pivot point112 so as to expose lock pin 111 though locking recess 132. This lockpin 111 is then able to engage with a corresponding notch or recess 213that is formed within the port 200 of the host 202. This engagementeffectively “latches” the module 100 within the port 202. In a preferredembodiment, the shape and configuration of the bail 108 also allow thecable connector 150 to be received within the modular receptacle 113when the bail 108 is placed in this latched position. As noted, in thisposition the bail 108 does not violate the small profile presented bythe module 100. To this end, embodiments may include an overcenter lock,or nub 209, provided on a lower edge of the base 106. When placed in thelatched position, the clasp 109 snaps over the nub 209 and is retainedin that position until disengaged by the user.

The bail 108 is rotated upwardly, as is indicated by the directionalarrow in FIG. 3A, to place the latch mechanism 101 into an “unlatched”position, shown in FIG. 3B. When the bail 108 is rotated upwardly, thecam portion 107 is rotated to a vertical orientation within enlargedrecess portion 117. Because the height of the recess portion 117 is lessthan that of the vertically extended cam, rotation of the cam 107 exertsan upward force on the cam follower surface 119 of the pivot block 110formed within the recess portion 117. The force of the cam 107 againstthe cam follower surface 119 provided on the pivot block overcomes thebiasing action provided by the leaf spring 188 and causes the pivotblock 110 to pivot in the opposite direction about axis 112. This lowersthe pivot lock pin 111 so that it is disengaged from the notch 213formed within the host port 200. In this unlatched state, the user, bypulling on the lever formed by the bail 108, can remove the module 100from the port, as is represented in FIG. 3B. Since the bail 108 extendsout in front of the module 100, extraction can be accomplished withouthaving to grip the sides of the module, and without disturbing and/orotherwise inadvertently effecting the connection status of an adjacentmodule or fiber cable. Also, the shape and configuration of the bail 108insures that it cannot be rotated to the unlatched position while aconnector 150 is disposed within the modular receptacle 113. Thisprevents accidental removal of the module 100 from the port byinadvertently pulling on the connector 150 or cable 156.

FIG. 4 illustrates a profile view of two immediately adjacenttransceiver modules, placed in what is sometimes referred to as a“belly-to-belly” configuration. This might ,correspond to a portconfiguration in a host device having a high port density. The disclosedlatching mechanism allows this physical orientation and still permitsretraction of one module without disturbing an adjacent module, or thecable of an adjacent module. As is shown, the bail 108 in the uppermodule can be rotated to an unlatched position so as to permitextraction of that module or the cable of an adjacent module. The bottommodule remains in the latched position, and neither it or the cable (notshown) within its receptacle is disturbed by the extraction of the uppermodule.

To summarize, embodiments of the present invention provide a number ofadvantages over existing pluggable electronic module designs. Thedisclosed electronic module utilizes a unique latching mechanism thatallows the module to be easily extracted from a host port—even inenvironments having a high port density. In particular, the latchingmechanism allows a module to be retrieved from a port without the needfor specialized extraction tools, and in a manner that does not disturbadjacent modules and/or adjacent fiber cables. Moreover, when a cableconnector is operatively received within the port's receptacle, thelatching mechanism insures that the module is latched within the port,and is not extracted by inadvertently pulling on the plug or cable.Finally, the latching mechanism is implemented in a manner so as topreserve the overall low profile presented by the module, as is requiredby existing industry standards.

It will be evident that there are numerous embodiments of the presentinvention, which, while not specifically described above, are clearlywithin the scope and spirit of the invention. Consequently, the abovedescription is considered to be exemplary only, and the full scope ofthe invention is to be determined solely by the appended claims.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States LettersPatent is:
 1. An electronic module capable of being selectively receivedwithin a port of a host device, the module comprising: a housing formingan interior portion that at least partially encloses a printed circuitboard capable of electrically interfacing with the host device when themodule is operatively received within the port; a locking pin; and abail that is operatively attached to the module so as to be selectivelymoveable between at least a first and a second position, the bailfurther comprising: a cam portion, the cam portion capable of causingthe locking pin to engage the module within the port when the bail isplaced in the first position, and capable of causing the locking pin todisengage the module within the port when the bail is placed in thesecond position; and a lever portion configured to allow removal of themodule from the port when the bail is in the second position by applyinga pulling force to the lever portion.
 2. An electronic module as definedin claim 1, wherein the locking pin is disposed on a pivot block that isrotated about a pivot axis by the cam portion.
 3. An electronic moduleas defined in claim 1, further comprising a receptacle disposed at anend of the module, the receptacle capable of physically receiving andinterfacing with a corresponding connector.
 4. An electronic module asdefined in claim 3, wherein the connector is a fiber optic connector. 5.An electronic module as defined in claim 3, wherein the bail isprevented from being moved from the first position to the secondposition when the connector is received within the receptacle.
 6. Anelectronic module as defined in claim 1, further comprising means forbiasing the locking pin to engage the module within the port.
 7. Anelectronic module as defined in claim 6, wherein the biasing means iscomprised of a leaf spring.
 8. An electronic module comprising: a baseportion having an electrical connector at a first end that is capable ofinterfacing with a host device when the module is operatively receivedwithin a host port, and a second end having at least one receptaclecapable of physically receiving and interfacing with a correspondingcable connector; a latching mechanism that selectively latches themodule within the host port; and a moveable bail that is operativelyattached to the base portion, wherein selective movement of the bail toa first predetermined position operates the latching mechanism so as tounlatch the module from within the host port and allow its extractionfrom the port.
 9. An electronic module as defined in claim 8, whereinthe latching mechanism comprises: a pivot block; a lock pin disposed atone end of the pivot block; a cam portion formed along a portion of thebail, wherein selective movement of the bail to a second predeterminedposition causes the cam portion to exert a force against the pivot blockthat causes the lock pin to engage with a corresponding recess formedwithin the host port when the module is received within the port.
 10. Anelectronic module as defined in claim 8, wherein the module is anopto-electronic transceiver, and the cable connector is an optical cableconnector.
 11. An electronic module as defined in claim 8, furthercomprising means for biasing the latching mechanism to latch the modulewithin the port.
 12. An electronic module as defined in claim 11,wherein the biasing means is comprised of a leaf spring formed as aportion of a housing that at least partially encloses the base portion.13. An opto-electronic transceiver module capable of being selectivelyreceived within a port of a host device, the module comprising: a baseportion that supports a printed circuit board capable of electricallyinterfacing with the host device when the module is operatively receivedwithin the port; at least one receptacle capable of physically receivingand interfacing with a corresponding optical communications connector; ahousing forming an interior portion that at least partially encloses thebase portion; a pivot block, the pivot block being rotatably supportedby the base portion about a pivot axis; a locking pin disposed at afirst end of the pivot block, and a cam follower surface formed on thepivot block; and a bail having a cam portion, the cam portion beingoperatively engaged with the cam follower surface so that movement ofthe bail cause rotation of the pivot block about a pivot axis andcorresponding movement of the locking pin to a latched or an unlatchedposition.
 14. An opto-electronic transceiver module as defined in claim13, wherein the locking pin is prevented from being moved from theunlatched position when the optical communications connector is receivedwithin the receptacle.
 15. An opto-electronic transceiver module asdefined in claim 13, wherein the bail includes a main body portion thatforms a lever capable of removing the module from the port by exerting apulling force on the lever when the locking pin is in the unlatchedposition.
 16. An opto-electronic transceiver module as defined in claim13, wherein the bail includes a main body portion through which passesthe optical communications connector when the connector is operativelyreceived within the receptacle.
 17. An opto-electronic transceivermodule as defined in claim 13, further comprising means for biasing thelocking pin to the latched position.
 18. An opto-electronic transceivermodule as defined in claim 17, wherein the biasing means is comprised ofa leaf spring.